ESPN commentator and podcaster Steven A Smith has revealed that former president Barack Obama called him prior to the 2024 presidential election after he had criticized Joe Biden to discuss the extent of his influence. Smith called for Biden to suspend his campaign on his self-titled show in July 2024, shortly before the Democrat did so to make way for his deputy Kamala Harris, observing that he “seems to have lost the step.” The pundit expressed concern over the elderly president’s cognitive decline after reviewing his recent public appearances, including his disastrous TV debate with Donald Trump. Can you do this for four more years?” he asked.
Smith later expressed regret over his subsequent vote for Harris and criticized Biden for pardoning his son Hunter after he was convicted of three federal gun charges and later pled guilty to tax charges. Speaking to The Culture Table about the reaction his comments provoked, Smith told hosts Tori Cooper, Sumatra Abernathy and Ashley Christopher about Obama’s intervention for the first time. He called before the election to discuss my impact, but he didn’t come on the podcast either.
You know, he clearly looked done. So the point is, folks like to talk to me privately, but then when I ask them to come on camera and to have a fruitful discussion, now they go elsewhere.” He continued: “So it’s like I’m taking these hits, and these are people that want to facilitate or assist in the facilitation of these narratives being disseminated and projected about me. This is the first time anyone has ever heard me publicly state that Barack Obama called me.” Smith – who has previously attacked Obama’s wife, former first lady Michelle Obama – went on to name other prominent Democrats who have so far declined to guest on his podcast, including Harris, New York Rep.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Texas Rep. Asked why they were reluctant, he answered: “I think the Democrats fear my footsteps. I think they know that they have a legitimate fear that I can influence the election potentially.” Smith was given a “Thumbs Down” award by the National Association of Black Journalists at its annual convention in August, which is handed out to members of the media it feels have not made a helpful contribution to the national debate.
He reacted angrily to the NABJ on social media and told the Culture Table hosts: “The reality is that it was a personal hit job. We can sit up there and lollygag around and act like we don’t know any better. Which, by the way, usually doesn’t phase me.
I know you think something phases me, just because you see me commenting on it. No, I'm in this business. I can comment about anything I want to, and I will continue to do so.
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